On August 1, 2022, a domestic dispute in the 6500 block of Bartmer Avenue in University City, Missouri, turned deadly. According to reports, 22-year-old Chappelle Taylor arrived to confront the mother of his child, brandished two firearms and began shooting at occupants of the home. Darrell Jefferson, 52, who was at the residence and tried to protect his family, was struck and later pronounced dead.

Jefferson’s daughter, the mother of Taylor’s child, was also hit and taken to a hospital in critical condition. A 2-year-old was in the room where bullets penetrated but was not physically harmed, authorities said. Taylor fled but was later arrested; after being read his Miranda rights he reportedly admitted to firing and discarding the weapons.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Taylor with second-degree murder, domestic assault, endangering the welfare of a child and three counts of armed criminal action, and a judge set bond at $500,000. If anyone has information about Jefferson, the shooting, or the moments before the attack, please share what you know.